Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

Equal opportunity is about enabling people to fulfil their potential more effectively and make more informed choices about various life opportunities. To be able to do this they must feel valued and accepted for what they are.

General Statements

• Discrimination on the basis of colour, culture, origin, gender or ability is unacceptable in this school.

• Every pupil and teacher will endeavour to further this objective by personally contributing towards a happy and caring environment and by showing respect for, and appreciation of, each other as individuals.

• The primary objectives of this school will therefore be to educate, develop and prepare all our pupils whatever their gender, colour, culture, origin or ability, for life in Britain.

• The whole school community will practise an equal opportunities philosophy.

• The school acknowledges the complexity of British society and recognises that it would be failing pupils if it did not prepare them for their integral part in society, by developing an awareness of different ways of life, beliefs, opinions and ideas.

• The school is committed to emphasising the common elements and values of our multiple cultures, rather than highlighting conflicting areas.

The Aims

• To provide the opportunity for the children to be accepted and valued as individuals, discovering a sense of their own identity and worth.

• To provide the opportunity for children to be part of a larger group, relate to others and experience a sense of belonging.

• To encourage respect by appreciating the interests of others and valuing the contribution that each person can make. To respect others’ rights to hold beliefs different from their own by the development of a constructive, helpful and caring attitude.

• To encourage an interest in and respect for the world around them by appreciating and valuing our local community and environment, while being sensitive to its needs and problems. Showing responsibility and care towards living things.

• To enable all pupils to maximise their potential and develop a high level of self-esteem.

• To counter prejudice and stereotyping.

• To promote and develop positive attitudes and respect for others, regardless of gender, race or special need.

Practice

1. Admission

The school follows the LEA/Governing Body Admissions Policy, which does not permit gender, race, colour or disability (taking into account the limitations of the building and support staff) to be used as criteria for admission.

2. Registration

Pupils’ names should be accurately recorded in alphabetical order, regardless of gender and correctly pronounced. Pupils should be encouraged to accept and respect names from other cultures.

3. Discrimination

All forms of discrimination or harassment by any person within the school are to be treated seriously. A careful note must be kept of such incidents, whether they take place in the playground, corridors or teaching areas. It should always be made clear to the offending individuals that such behaviour is unacceptable.

If there are subsequent incidents, then the Head Teacher should be informed and consideration should be given to involving the parents. Racist symbols, badges and insignia on clothing and bags are forbidden in school. Graffiti should be immediately removed.

Parents should be made aware of the school’s commitment to equal opportunities.

4. Staff

In all staff appointments, the best candidate will be appointed, based on strict professional criteria. All staff should be aware of possible cultural assumptions and bias within their own attitudes. Close liaison with families in the school is beneficial to all concerned.

5. Teaching

Teaching styles should enable the promotion of positive attitudes, a sense of personal worth, respect for others and should foster a positive atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.

6. The Curriculum

All pupils must have access to the school’s curriculum. Staff must be constantly aware that their own expectations affect the achievements, behaviour and status of each pupil. The curriculum must be balanced, objective and sensitive.

This equal opportunities policy is to be reflected in all school policy documents and Schemes of Work.

7. Language

Staff should be aware of the language and dialect spoken by pupils and their families. Staff must be conscious of any racist or sexist connotations in the language they themselves use.

Pupils and staff must feel their language or dialect is valued.

8. Resources

The school’s aim is to provide for all pupils according to their needs, irrespective of gender, ability or ethnic origins.

Variety should be evident in the morals, stories and information given to children. Pupils should have access to accurate information about similarities and differences between cultural groups.

A variety of resources such as people, places, artefacts, books, prints, musical instruments and other sources of material should be available and used to study beliefs, attitudes, traditions and cultures.

This policy will be reviewed annually.

Reviewed October 2005